09-15-2014 Planning Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, August 18, 2014 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 18 of 33 The subject property fronts on a long channel and is somewhat disconnected from the lake. The configuration of the subject property along the end of the channel creates a unique situation regarding the view. The neighboring home to the south at 855 Forest Arms Lane is set back further on their property than the subject home and has no lake view. The neighbor to the north faces in a more westerly direction towards the channel rather than over the subject property. In addition there are mature trees separating the subject property from both neighbors which likely screen most of the view of the improvements and the home. Comments have been received from the neighbors in support of the application. Staff recommends approval of the average lakeshore setback variance to allow construction of the elevated deck, screen porch, and pergola up to 21 feet ahead of the average lakeshore setback line. Laura Westrude, Architectural Landscape Design, stated the applicants may like to extend the deck to a maximum of five feet closer to the lake, which would encompass the proposed patio. Leskinen asked if it would be further than what is being proposed. Westrude indicated it would not be and would encompass the proposed patio. Leskinen asked if it is the elevated portion of the deck that is being extended. Westrude indicated it is. Chair Leskinen opened the public hearing at 8:08 p.m. There were no public comments regarding this application. Chair Leskinen closed the public hearing at 8:08 p.m. Curtis displayed a picture of the subject property looking towards the house to the house. Curtis pointed out the location of the proposed deck. McGrann asked if the additional five feet raises any concerns with Staff. Curtis stated it does not. Curtis stated it would be a further encroachment to the lake, but based on personal observations of the site, it should not impact the adjacent property owners. Leskinen stated it does not appear that the adjacent neighbors would be able to see it given the tree line. Landgraver noted the trees appear to be all deciduous but that typically people are not out on their decks in the wintertime. Landgraver stated based on the orientation of the properties, it should not be very visible to the neighbors. Curtis stated to her knowledge the windows of the house to the south do not actually face the applicants’ property and are actually located in a garage. Lemke asked if there were any comments from that neighbor. Item #01 - PC Agenda - 09/15/2014 Approval of Planning Commission Minutes [Page 18 of 33]